Director Dan Trachtenberg Unveils Future of Predator: Badlands

The latest installment in the iconic franchises, Predator: Badlands, is set in a distant future that intertwines with both the Predator and Alien timelines. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the film follows a Yautja named Dek and Thia, a synthetic being created by the notorious Weyland-Yutani corporation. Trachtenberg recently shared insights regarding the film’s setting and how it allows for an independent narrative, free from the constraints of existing storylines.

In an interview with Variety, Trachtenberg explained that the decision to place Badlands in the far future was intentional. He aimed to avoid overlapping with concurrent projects like Alien: Romulus, which is set 20 years after the events of the first Alien film. He stated, “I wanted to make sure we were doing our own thing, and selfishly, I’d also done so much Predator in different time periods that I was excited for this to be in the future, even past Alien: Resurrection.”

The distinction between timelines is crucial. While Alien: Earth takes place two years prior to the original Alien film, Badlands ventures into unexplored territory, allowing it to develop its unique storyline. Trachtenberg’s previous experiences with different eras in the franchise, including his work on Prey, equipped him with the confidence to explore this new setting.

Critical and Commercial Success

The reception for Predator: Badlands has been overwhelmingly positive. The film boasts a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a commendable audience score of 95%. Its box office performance has also been impressive, achieving the franchise’s best domestic opening weekend at $40 million and a global debut of $80 million. This performance surpasses Predator 2, which accumulated a total worldwide gross of $54.8 million, and is closing in on the original Predator, which earned $98.3 million globally.

The success of Badlands has sparked discussions about potential sequels. Although a follow-up has yet to be officially confirmed, the film’s strong box office showing and favorable reviews position it well for future projects. Trachtenberg’s approach of situating the story far in the future ensures that any potential sequels will not conflict with other upcoming titles within the franchise.

Trachtenberg is enthusiastic about the prospects of further exploring the universe of Predator and Alien. The ending of Predator: Badlands suggests more adventures await Dek and Thia, paving the way for new narratives that could push the boundaries of both franchises. Discussions of a sequel to Alien: Romulus and the possibility of a second season for Alien: Earth are also in the air, but Trachtenberg remains confident that his project stands apart due to its unique timeline.

As audiences continue to engage with Predator: Badlands, the film not only revitalizes the franchise but also sets a new course for future storytelling. The combination of a well-received narrative and strong box office numbers highlights the potential for even more ambitious projects in the years to come, ensuring that both the Predator and Alien worlds remain vibrant and evolving.